JAMMU: To improve the quality and increase the quantity of fruits in Jammu and Kashmir, the state government will soon start importing rootstocks of high density plantation from European countries.
“The government will soon import rootstocks from Europe for shifting to high-density plantations to rejuvenate orchards,” Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said.
Calling upon agriculturists and fruit-growers to brace for stiffer competition emerging from fruit-producing markets abroad, the CM said easing of regulatory mechanism at the global level has brought in fierce competition, which can only be survived by proper grading and maintenance of the produce.
The CM while addressing a gathering, after laying foundation of the additional block of Kissan Ghar at Narwal here on Sunday stressed on diversification of agriculture towards high-yielding crops and said new technologies and best practices have to be adopted to enhance economic returns. For this, he suggested setting up of more cold stores to maintain the quality of fruits produced.
“Even in this onslaught from overseas markets, our fruits taste much better, wherein the hope for survival lies,” he said.
Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh, Minister for Horticulture A.R Veeri, Vice Chairman J and K Kissan Board Daljeet Singh among other officials were present on the occasion.
Referring to the government’s decision to introduce Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) to lift C-grade fruit, the CM urged upon the fruit-growers to use wide range of irrigation technologies, in particular drip and trickle systems to enhance quality of fruit.
Asking scientists of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) to share results of their research with the farmers and fruit-growers, Sayeed said technical knowhow is of no use unless tested in the fields.
Sayeed set a deadline of 21st June, 2016 for completion of the additional block of Kissan Ghar which is to be constructed at a cost of Rs 5.64 crore and envisages construction of residential facility, equipped with modern conference hall. He also issued directions for establishing an ATM of J and K Bank within the market, blacktopping of roads, availability of drinking water and proper sewage and drainage disposal.
Deputy Chief Minister said Jammu region has great potential for cultivating all kinds of fruits from temperate to sub-tropical zones. “Government has taken several steps to harness fruit growing potential of Jammu, particularly in Mango, Litchi, Kinnu, Apple and Pear,” he said.(PTI)